Unboring Boys

SUNboring Swimwear for Boys: 2010 Edition

2010-06-09T10:22:00.001-07:00

Board shorts are cool and all, but there's something so sweet about little boys in euro-style swim trunks, like the adorable Hip Racer Swim Trunk, left ($9.60, 12 months), from Australian-based ZOGGS. I just wish it was available in more U.S. stores and in larger sizes!

For a similar style, check out Mini Boden's collection of snug fitting swim trunks ($20), which are offered in sizes 1 to 11-12 years. We love all three prints, but our favorite is the bright green crocodiles. If you're looking for more sun protection, we like their bright and stripey Surf Suits ($48), and for post-beach, cuddle your unboring boy up in their comfy Towelling Throw On ($44).

Older boys will really get into Munster Kids' hip and irreverent White Paperplane Board Shorts (sizes 8 & 12, on sale for $39.95 at Tutti Bella), which picture King Kong on top of a building throwing paper airplanes!

Every year I check out Vilebrequin's swimwear collection for boys and I really, really wish their pieces were within my price range, because they have some of the hippest and most inspired styles for boys I've seen, going beyond the surfing and Hawaiian themes we see so much of here in the U.S. Their junior lines--Jim for ages 2-6, and Jam for ages 8-14--were introduced in 1995 and are modeled after the men's collection. This year my favorites are the Rabbits and Corner of Paradise. Both are pricey at $130 but if you plan to live at the beach this year (and can hand them down to a younger child next summer), it might be worth it. You can pretend you're vacationing on the French Riviera!

Just a reminder! There is still time to enter our latest giveaway for a science-themed bodysuit (winners choice!) from KatyANDZucchini. For details click here.

Cool Graphic Tees from Mini Shatsu

2010-05-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I've seen a lot of boys' t-shirts, and my reaction to most of them is meh. Because most of them feature the same old tired motifs: cars, sports numbers, dinosaurs. I'm not against dinosaurs or soccer balls--just as long as the designer does something fresh with them.

Once in a while I run across a tee (or tees) that make me think, "Now, that's cool!" And that's what happened when I saw Mini Shatsu's 80s inspired collection of graphic tees & twofers featuring guitars, microphones, old school turntables, cameras, balloon animals and even a fanny pack (sized 3 mos.-8)!

For fall/winter 2010, Mini Shatsu (Shatsu means "shirt" in Japanese) is introducing denim jeans, corduroy and French terry pants, and jackets along with their popular tees and hoodies, including my favorite, the Alien Abduction hoodie, right (this is the back view). Seriously, how cute is this hoodie???! (click on the pic for a closer look). For a list of retailers click here.

Science Fun & KatyANDZucchini Giveaway!

2010-05-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Nick and Henry are really into science right now--outer space, experiments, weather, rockets & robots--so this week we're featuring some super cool and geeky science stuff that any scientist-to-be (and his parents) would love, starting with KatyANDZucchini's cool science-themed bodysuits for Baby.

Our favorite is the clever XY chromosome onesie, left ($15.50, sizes 3-6 mos.- 18 mos.) Melissa, the designer behind KatyANDZucchini, who is a mom and science teacher, explains that it's perfect for, "When people in line at the grocery store look at your little guy and say, 'how old is SHE', you can point to his XY chromosome onesie." We also love the set of three alphabet bodysuits including C is for Cephalopod.

Just for Unboring Boys: We are giving away ascience themed bodysuit (winner's choice!) from KatyANDZucchini to one lucky reader! Just browse KatyANDZucchini's shop and e-mail unboringboys@yahoo.com with SCIENCE in the subject line and tell us which style you would choose should you win. Get extra entries for becoming a fan of KatyANDZucchini on Facebook here, leaving a comment below, subscribing to Unboring Boys, or following us on Twitter. We'll pick one lucky Unboring Boys reader at random June 10th. U.S. residents, only, please. Good luck!

More fun science stuff:

Steve Spangler's store has all the supplies and kits little scientists need, including Test Tube Adventures Lab in a Bag, which includes 5 giant test tubes each with a science experiment in it.

Uncommon Goods carries the cutest (and nerdiest) set of Number or ABC Flash Cards ($16-22) (Think: E is for Electromagnetic)!

Bobinette's Spring/Summer Line for Boys

2010-05-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

Bobinette's Spring/Summer line is here and I am in love! Bobinette is an Unboring Boy fave (read previous articles here and here) and for good reason. Their styles are hip and adorable and the natural cotton and linen fabrics are so soft and comfortable that your unboring boy will love wearing them. These are signature, timeless pieces that can be dressed up or down, making them incredibly versatile.

My favorite piece this season is the navy Clovis shirt, left, but I also adore the gray gingham Milo shirt.

For the current collection, designer Lorraine Le Tac drew inspiration from her travels around Morocco, Sri Lanka and her hometown of Paris. The name Bobinette means "little face" in French.

To see the entire line and a list of retailers, visit www.Bobinette.com.

The lucky winner is....

2010-05-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kelly from Auckland, New Zealand who won the messenger bag from Meeabee! She chose the adorable beetle cars print. Thanks to all our readers who participated and to Jacqui at Meeabee for being a sponsor! This was our most popular giveaway so far and it was great to hear from so many of you! The very talented Jacqui has hinted at doing another messenger bag giveaway in the fall, so stay tuned.

More fabulous features, giveaways and exclusive savings from the hottest boys' clothing designers and boutiques are coming this summer. Sign up for e-mail updates, or follow us through Blogger or on Twitter.

For Aspiring Novelists: Tell Me a Story Notebooks from EarthHugs

2010-04-20T11:16:00.001-07:00

OK, I know this "Tell Me a Story" mac & cheese notebook from EarthHugs has Pokemon creatures on it (what are Pokemon, anyway?), but read on before you start thinking Unboring Boys has gone over to the dark side of licensed characters.

There are three really cool things about this notebook I want to tell you about.

1) It's made with a recycled mac & cheese box and recycled paper, making it earth-friendly.

2) It's expressly designed for story writing: "Each ruled page is faced by a blank page for young writers to draw a picture that accompanies their journal entry or story." How clever is that?!

3) A mom of two started EarthHugs as a family business that her two kids, ages 6 & 8, could be involved in. Owner Wendi says, "I started it with my kids to help teach them about recycling/upcycling, and also to help teach them some of the fundamentals about business. They are thrilled helping me to assemble the books and also when we get a new heart or facebook fan!"

EarthHugs carries a fun collection of notebooks in different sizes, including a cute Trix Doodle Diary from a mini cereal box, for 3-5 bucks. If you have a struggling or reluctant writer, one of these might just be the motivation they need to start writing their literary masterpiece.

Unboring Rainwear Roundup

2010-04-12T06:52:00.001-07:00

It's April and time for our annual roundup of the coolest rain gear for boys. Last year we were a little disappointed in the lack of selection. Sure there were raincoats designed to look like fireman coats galore, along with plenty of boring solid colors. But umbrellas, rain boots and raincoats should be bright and fun to bring a little sunshine to even the gloomiest of rainy days.

Well, this year, I'm happy to report that there are more cool prints and styles for boys to choose from, starting with this awesome tiger print set by Sammies by Samsonite ($47.95) I love the bright orange color & the little tiger handle. Sammies also carries adorable turtle and penguin prints. Shop around the Internet for the best price.

My favorite rain coat this year comes from The Children's Place and features an allover comic book, superhero print (on sale for $22.12; 18 months to 4T). For quality, you can't beat Hatley. Their new Sailing Dog print ($49.99; 2T-7) is SO adorable! As always with Hatley, rain boots and umbrellas are available to match.

Our pick for hippest rain boots this year are the Duck Boots ($58, sizes 1-13) from Stella McCartney for KidGap (looks like some sizes are already selling out), but we also love Trumpette's Johnny rain boots that look like high top sneakers (prices & sizes vary depending on where you buy).

Make it Personal with Hopscotch Tees

2010-03-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

My boys are really into anything personalized right now. So I was excited to come across Hopscotch tees, which takes personalization to a whole new level.

Seattle mom and designer, Shana Perrina, has created an awesome collection of boys' tees that can be personalized with not only your son's name, but his town and even the year he was born! So even if you live in, say, a nondescript suburb like we do, having the name on a shirt will make it seem like a pretty fab place.

Our favorite is the Roboman, left, ($22-27 depending on size and sleeve length) but we also love the Tackle Shop tee. Hopscotch tees are available in infant sizes (the perfect baby shower gift!) up to adult!

Hopscotch tees are 100 percent cotton & made in the U.S. My unboring boy adores his RobomanNick shirt and wears it all the time. It washes up great, and it never fails to get a reaction when we're out and about. The shirts do run small, so I would order a size up to make sure it won't be outgrown for a while, since it will definitely become a favorite.

Just in Time for Warm Weather Adventures: Messenger Bags from Meeabee

2010-03-21T11:34:00.000-07:00

If your boys are like mine, we can't leave the house without pockets-full of special toys and treasures, which invariably get lost between the car seats or left behind somewhere. That's why I just fell in love with these messenger bags from Meeabee. Not only are they practical and perfectly sized for little kids 3-5, they are an unboring alternative to backpacks!

Designer Jacqui has boys of her own (ages 3 & 8), so she carries an awesome collection of bags in boy-friendly prints like flags of the world and Beetle-bug ca rs ($30 each).

When I found out that Jacqui lived in Japan (she ships worldwide), I had to ask her what boys' fashion is like there. Read my interview below, plus find out how you can win one of her fabulous messenger bags!

Unboring Boys: What inspired you to start making children's messenger bags?

Jacqui: I wanted to do something creative and to start a small business. I looked at a few ideas and with the support of my blog readers I started sewing. I looked at the resources I have available to me here in Japan. Fabric was one. Then I looked at Etsy and thought there was a gap in the market for cute bags for kids. The messenger bag was one of my early designs since I wanted to make sure I always had plenty for cool boys. It's evolved into my best-selling item for both boys and girls. I LOVE making them!

Unboring Boys: How do you go about choosing certain fabrics, colors and prints?

Jacqui: I read a lot of online blogs and magazines to keep up with trends in fashion. When I see fabric I love, I buy it. Subconsciously it often fits in with the themes I have been seeing in fashion. Usually I just buy what I have a knee-jerk reaction to - luckily people seem to like my taste! Sometimes I hit the nail on the head. This was the case with an orange and green robot fabric which became my most popular and most-requested design. I knew that orange was predicted to be big that year from reading the Pantone Color Trend Report.

Unboring Boys: What are the current clothes styles and trends for boys in Japan? What brands or looks seem to be hot right now?

Jacqui: Fashion in Japan takes a lot of getting used to. We live in a small city about an hour out of town so it's hardly the epicentre of fashion. I personally find the styles to be very busy with a lot of writing and embellishment on them. The "mini-me" look is popular - dressing your kids in the same style as the parents. In Japan that's called "pair-look". Being winter we are seeing a lot of skinny jeans and black denim; boots are popular as are newspaper boy hats. The rock star look seems to be quite popular.

Unboring Boys: Here in America, the emphasis is on girls’ fashion. Parents don't spend nearly as much on boys' clothes as they do on girls' clothes. Is it the same in Japan?

Jacqui: I think that's probably the case here in Japan as well! However, the Japanese seem to like designer clothing so it's possible they've spent a lot more than you'd think.

Unboring Boys: What are you doing when you are not designing and sewing?

Jacqui: I do most of my designing and sewing late at night. One of my boys is still home with me every day (he's three) so I spend most of my days playing with him, doing housework, the usual mum stuff. My business can be all consuming and I decided I needed some balance. I joined the gym last year and now swim or do aquarobics three or four times a week. It does wonders for my mind and gives me such a lot of energy. It also counteracts the effects of all the baking I do for my home-based English conversation class.

Thanks Jacqui for taking the time to answer my questions! Just for Unboring Boys: We are giving away one boys messenger bag (winner's choice!) from Meeabee to one lucky reader! Just browse Meeabee's Etsy shop and e-mail unboringboys@yahoo.com with MEEABEE in the subject line and tell us which style you would choose should you win. Get extra entries for becoming a fan of Meeabee on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meeabee, leaving a comment below, subscribing to Unboring Boys, or following us on Twitter. We'll pick one lucky Unboring Boys reader at random April 21st. Open to anyone! Good luck!

Unboring Boys supports BoysRead.org

2010-03-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

Life is funny sometimes. Before I had kids, I worked at a national women's organization that focused on issues affecting women and girls--like the fact that there are way more male engineers than female engineers, and that not enough girls enroll in higher level math and science courses in school. Then I had boys. Even though, as a woman, I was still concerned about girls' issues, as a mom of two boys, I became aware of issues impacting their gender. There are far more boys than girls in special education classes, for example. Too many boys drop out of school. And boys are more likely to struggle with reading.

Reading is one of my favorite things to do, and so far, Nick and Henry enjoy it, too. My hope is that they will continue to love reading as adults, because I firmly believe that readers go far in life. So I want to take time this week to feature BoysRead.org whose mission is to "transform boys into lifelong readers."

If you're looking for ways to encourage your little man to read more, BoysRead.org is a great starting point. Their site offers a wealth of resources and ideas to encourage a love of reading, such as starting Reading Tribes (basically book clubs for boys) and using graphic novels to get older boys interested. It also has lists of suggested authors and titles--organized by grade level, that boys might enjoy, along with articles, a blog, an awesome logo tee (scroll to the bottom of the store page), sections devoted to writing, and TONS of useful links.

Win an Unboring Nintendo DS Case by BagEnvy

2010-02-25T10:46:00.000-08:00

It's just a matter of time before Nick and Henry start asking for a Nintendo DS, and when we do eventually cave in and buy one (no use kidding ourselves), I will definitely pick up an adorable DS case by BagEnvy to keep everything organized.

BagEnvy carries awesome DS/DS Lite cases in boy-friendly styles like the BOYS ROCK electric guitar print ($15.00), left, that has cool black and white contrasting fabric inside. BagEnvy's cases are great quality, fasten with Velcro, and are the perfect "fashion" accessory for any gamer. They keep everything neat with straps inside to hold the DS system securely, 8 slots for game cartridges and loops for the stylus. And they can be customized to hold more games and even a charger. They fit the DS original, Lite and DSi.

We have a blue BOYS ROCK electric guitar Nintendo DS/DS Lite case from BagEnvy up for grabs! Entering is easy! Just browse BagEnvy's collection of Nintendo DS cases, and e-mail unboringboys@yahoo.com with BAGENVY in the subject line and tell us your favorite style. We'll pick one lucky Unboring Boys reader at random March 25th. U.S. residents only, please. Good luck! Psst! BagEnvy carries some chic pieces for moms like iPod and cell phone cases in gorgeous prints so check those out too.

Fun for Earthlings: Alien Mittens from Saint Reagan's Hollow

2010-02-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

Snowmageddon, snowpocalypse, snowtorious, snowverkill...here in Northern Virginia we've had almost 50 inches of snow so far this winter. And after power outages, endless snow shoveling, school cancellations, and being stuck inside with two cranky 6-year-old boys, I'll scream if one more snowflake falls from the sky.

But these awesome hand-knitted wool alien mittens from Saint Reagan's Hollow ($24.99) give me the strength to make it through the rest of the winter because they are just SO unique and fun. Boys of any age--Dads too--will love them! If your unboring boy isn't into aliens, check out the brown T-Rex mittens, complete with felt claws. Winter's not over yet (sigh). So now's the perfect time to replace those mismatched and worn-out mittens with some cool ones that your boy will love to wear and that will bring a smile to your face even when school's out again and the neighborhood is impassable with no snow plow in sight.

Mix it up with Kool Kid Legs from Mamarunswithscissors (plus giveaway!)

2010-01-31T07:15:00.001-08:00

The layered look, or twofer, is a simple but revolutionary idea--take a tee shirt and sew on long sleeves in contrasting colors. Twofers remain a top trend and are now a staple of most boys' wardrobes. While sleeves in unexpected (or even clashing) colors make otherwise ho-hum tees look cool, prints, plaids and stripes make them look even cooler. Which is why I was thrilled to run across Kool Kid Legs by Mamarunswithscissors.

Kool Kid Legs are handmade arm/leg warmers that can be mix-and-matched with any tee to create something unique, one-of-a-kind, and a little wild. I LOVE the argyle print and the Tim Burton-esqe black and red stripes, above. Kool Kid Legs are super cozy, stay put, and save money too, because adding long sleeves extends the life of pricey designer tees. They are the perfect accessory for spring, when it starts out cool in the morning and gets warm later. If your boy gets too hot on the playground, he can just slip off his sleeves! For those of you with baby boys, Kool Kid Legs are great to pair with onesies.

Mamarunswithscissors is giving away a pair of 14 inch Kool Kid Legs to one lucky Unboring Boys reader! Just visit Mamarunswithscissors' shop, then email unboringboys@yahoo.com with KOOL KID LEGS in the subject line and tell us what design you like. We'll draw a winner at random February 28th. U.S. residents only, please. Good luck! In the meantime, Mamarunswithscissors is offering free shipping on all orders through 2/28 for readers. Just use the keyword "Unboring" when ordering.

Cloth Napkins from JuniperBerries (Win a set!)

2010-01-17T14:39:00.001-08:00

Even small changes make a difference, so last year, my family resolved to use reusable bags for all our shopping. For 2010, we're using cloth napkins instead of paper.

To get my boys excited about the switch, I searched for some fun designs that boys would like. I knew I'd found the coolest napkins ever when I ran across Juniperberries' Mad Kitty napkins ($7/set of 2). Even if you aren't a cat person, it's hard not to fall in love with these adorable tabbies in lab coats!

Juniperberries is giving away a 2-piece set of Mad Kitty napkins to one lucky Unboring Boys reader! Just visit JuniperBerries' Esty shop, then email unboringboys@yahoo.com with MAD KITTY in the subject line and tell us what other napkin designs you like. We'll draw a winner at random February 7th. U.S. residents only, please. Good luck!

P.S. Moms, while you're looking at napkin designs, check out JuniperBerries' to-die-for collection of aprons. Even if you're just making macaroni and cheese from the box, you will look chic in their gorgeous black and white floral half apron, just $18!

Win a Set of Thank You Notes for Boys from Bugaboo Announcements!

2010-01-10T07:26:00.001-08:00

Writing can seem like a chore for my 6-year-old son, Nick, who is still working on strengthening his grip. That's why I love these fill-in-the-blank notes from Bugaboo Announcements (13.95 for 12). They're the perfect "training" notes for kids like Nick, who are learning the importance of thanking others but struggle when it comes to writing whole paragraphs.

Even for confident writers, composing a stack of thank you cards can seem overwhelming. Here, some ideas for making it fun:

1) Put together a box of special markers, pens and stickers only to be used for writing thank you notes.

2) Give your unboring boy a set of cool personalized note cards, like Alien note cards (16.95 for 12) and matching return labels (7.95 for 24 labels). Bugaboo Announcements carries an awesome collection of cards with fun, original, and all-occasion designs that boys will love.

3) Do your boys need a little extra motivation to write thank you notes? Allow them to play with new toys the day they are received. After that, put the toys away until thank you notes have been written and mailed.

4) Before sitting down to write, talk to your child about the gift. What does he like about it? Who gave it to him and what makes that person special? This will help him figure out what to write.

5) Involve your son in every part of the process, from stamping the envelopes to dropping the cards at the post office.

6) Set a goal of writing one or two thank you notes a day, depending on your child's age, to keep the task from becoming overwhelming.

Bugaboo Announcements is giving away a set of 12 note cards from their Bugaboo Notes stationary line to one lucky Unboring Boys reader! Just visit Bugaboo Announcements's Etsy shop or their website at www.bugabooannouncements.com, then email unboringboys@yahoo.com with BUGABOO in the subject line and tell us which card design you would choose should you win. We'll draw a winner at random January 24th. U.S. residents only, please. Good luck!

BoyMom Designs Giveaway!

2009-12-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

Amy Williams, owner and designer behind BoyMom Designs, admits she didn't really understand the opposite sex until she had boys of her own. Creating her own line of limited edition t-shirts was a way for her to celebrate her sons and to "capture the interesting journey of mothers who love their boys for exactly who they are."

BoyMom Designs carries a fun collection of t-shirts for moms, boys and babies. Our favorite design is their signature We Fight Bad Guys, above, for moms, but we also love the I Fight Bad Guys tees and onesies for kids. As if their designs aren't cool enough, a portion of every sale goes to provide orphaned children in Southeast Asia with food, shelter and medical supplies.

We have three tees from BoyMom Designs up for grabs for THREE lucky Unboring Boys readers, including a fabulous "We Fight Bad Guys" burn-out tee (women's size Large), an "i fight bad guys" short sleeved tee in size 3T, and a gray Army Man short sleeve tee in 3T (for more about sizing, click here). All three shirts are incredibly soft and made in the U.S.

To enter, simply visit the BoyMom blog, then email unboringboys@yahoo.com with BOYMOM in the subject line and tell us which famous poet said "If I have a monument in this world, it is my son." (hint: you'll find the answer in Amy's About Me on her blog). Remember to tell us which tee you would like should you win. We'll randomly draw three winners on January 1st. U.S. residents only, please. Good luck!

Unboring Boys Fashion Blog has a New Look!

2009-12-13T15:05:00.000-08:00

I am SO excited about our new look and wanted to give a shout out to Natalie at Modern Sugar who took my vague descriptions--"something offbeat but clean, you know, with maybe some graffiti-ish fonts"--and came up with exactly what I wanted.

Modern Sugar offers custom boutique website design with a full line of professional online web design and website services, from fun girly boutique websites that are pre-made to custom eCommerce sites. Check out their gallery of work here.

Our cool new look has inspired me to work on our editorial calendar, lining up even more fabulous features, insightful interviews, giveaways and exclusive savings for readers in 2010--starting with a cool giveaway coming up this week for all you BoyMoms out there (hint, hint)!

Be the first to hear about our giveaways and exclusive discounts. Sign up for e-mail updates, or follow us through Blogger or on Twitter. And please share Unboring Boys children's fashion blog with other moms of boys you know.

Cool Stocking Stuffers for Boys

2009-12-06T09:38:00.001-08:00

I always struggle to come up with unique items to put in my boys' Christmas stockings, so this year I turned to Etsy, "Your Place to Buy and Sell All Things Handmade," for ideas and found a ton of fabulous, handcrafted, and affordable little stocking stuffers that my boys will go crazy over!

Nick and Henry love I Spy books, so these custom I Spy bags ($14.50 ea.) from Violet , above, will be a huge hit. As the bag is manipulated, little plastic beads shift around to reveal little objects in the window. What a great way to entertain your child during car trips or while waiting at the doctor's office. (Note: not recommended for children under 3). Just for Unboring Boys readers! Receive a 10 percent discount off orders through December 20th. Just notify in a "message to seller" that you saw the I Spy bags on the blog.

For little readers (and their crafty moms), I love the do-it-yourself Rascally Robots personalized booklet, bookmark, book plate and tag set ($6) from the GoMakeMe shop. Simply edit and print from PDFs for cute personalized (and last minute) gifts. Also I really dig the superhero tags ($4.25) from the Whats Eating Yin shop that are made of recycled comic books and can be used as cool bookmarks.

If your unboring boy loves robots, he'll enjoy the adorable Wooden Matching Memory game--Robot edition ($16.00) from LemonTreeStudio, which comes in a cute drawstring pouch.

Tops are always a fun stocking stuffer especially if they are as beautiful as the little hand-turned maple ones seen here from Esty seller UrbanTurn.

Finally, if your boy is obsessed with diecast cars like mine are, consider a handmade car caddy from Mimimommieandme ($7.50 ea.) that he can use to tote a few favorite cars with him wherever he goes.

Old Soles Baby Shoes & Giveaway

2009-11-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

WARNING: if you have a baby boy, newborn to 24 months, you will not be able to resist baby shoes by Old Soles.

Launched in January 2008 in Australia, and now available in the U.S., Old Soles offers a trendy collection of soft and flexible 100 percent leather shoes for babies and toddlers.

I LOVE the sporty velcro closures and faux laces, not to mention the great colors, such as the cobalt shown here. They're a hip, unexpected alternative to baby shoes featuring cutesy animals and firetrucks. Old Sole pre-walkers have a soft leather sole (the next best thing to bare feet), and toddler "first steps" have non-slip soles. All have a comfy elastic back. There are several great styles for boys to choose from and the quality and detail-work is amazing.

Old Soles are just being introduced to the U.S. and I predict they are going to be HOT. So contact their U.S. distributor, Lolligo, at info@lolligo.com for up-to-the-minute info for where to buy.

In the meantime, we have a pair of adorable pair of Old Soles first steps shoes up for grabs. I mean, seriously, I don't even have a baby and it's going to be hard to give these up. The winner will receive a pair of Old Sole shoes similar to the ones above but with light gray accents in size 15-18 months. Just visit the Old Soles children's shoes page on Lolligo's website then e-mail unboringboys@yahoo.com with OLD SOLES in the subject line and tell us the name of the designer who started Old Soles. We'll draw a winner at random December 6th. U.S. residents only, please. Good luck!

Be the first to know about giveaways and exclusive discounts on hip clothes and accessories for boys! Sign up for our e-mail updates!

Short Hats Long on Style

2009-11-15T18:06:00.000-08:00

I love hats with ear flaps for boys--they are so outdoorsy and sweet--and my favorite for fall/winter is the wool Issac ($30, 12 months - 6 years) from Short Hats. Based in Colorado, Short Hats designs some of the cutest headwear for children, including heirloom-quality hand-knit beanies , the trendy Riley cap, and classic hats that will never go out of style like the Gatsbyesque Buster. I also love that Short Hats uses recycled plastic visors in their brimmed hats, their knit hats are handmade in Argentina by companies that treat their workers fairly, and the rest of the hats in the collection are made in the U.S.

Just for Unboring Boys readers: Short Hats is offering a 10 percent discount on items in their online shop through 1/1/2010! Enter coupon code "Unboring" at checkout. Factor in free shipping (on all U.S. orders) and that's a sweet deal! Visit http:www.shorthats.com/kids-hats-summer-and-winter.php to check out all the fabulous styles.

Unboring Sweaters for Boys 2009

2009-11-09T06:21:00.001-08:00

It's sweater weather! and time for our annual round-up of the hippest, sweetest, and off-beatest sweaters for boys, starting with our favorite this year, the irresistible Rodgers Cardigan from Knuckleheads ($57, 2T-6T), above, which successfully fuses grandpa fussiness with rock-and-roll edginess that would look adorable on any little man.

Season after season, Tea Collection carries some of the most inspired styles for boys, and their recent Indigo Arts line is no exception. We've featured the Kimono robe ($75, 6 mos - 8 yrs.) from this line before because we think it's amazing. But we also adore the Nippon Pullover ($65, 6 mos. - 8 yrs.) because of the gorgeous colors and texture.

If you haven't heard, GapKids has teamed with designer Stella McCartney to create a new line of children's clothing that we are falling for big time. At first glance, the gray Stella McCartney Cardigan ($58, S-XL) may look ordinary, but then you notice the delightful off-center buttons and thumb holes in the sleeves. Very unboring! For baby boys, we like her Fair Isle cashmere wrap cardigan ($58, 6 - 24 months). And though it's not a sweater, we have to point out the fabulous Band jacket which has been selling out like crazy. Rumors are some petite women have been buying the larger kids sizes for themselves!

Moms looking for holiday-themed sweaters should check out Janie and Jack's Nutcracker Sweater ($43, 3 months - 8) and Hanna Andersson's collection of colorful and stripey unisex styles, including the All is Bright penguin sweater (on sale for $38.40).

Shake up the Holidays with Looks from Bobinette and The Belle and the Beau

2009-11-01T17:19:00.000-08:00

Ready to break with traditional colors, reindeer motifs, and argyle sweater vests this holiday season? Bobinette and The Belle and the Beau are two hot children's designers offering fashion-forward, colorful and festive alternatives for boys for holiday dressing and portraits.

I've featured Bobinette before (read the June 2009 article here) because I simply adore their hip, unbelievably soft, high quality shirts, like the navy polka dot, above, and red gingham print, right (modeled by my unboring boy, Nick). Bobinette's shirts are bright and cool, have fun details like contrasting cuffs and buttons, and can be dressed up or down. (click on the photos for a closer view.)

After you pick your favorite Bobinette shirt, pair it with a fabulous neck tie from The Belle and th e Beau. The Belle and the Beau's two-mom design team makes the sweetest neck ties and bow ties for boys ages 6 months to teen (and men too!). My favorite? Who can pick just one? Don't be afraid to pair a dotted tie with a plaid shirt. Experiment! Go wild! It's fun and trendy to mix prints and patterns. But even if you go with a plain white button down, a tie from The Belle and the Beau will keep your little man front and center in holiday portraits. Those of you with girls may end up coordinating your daughter's holiday dress to match your son's look this year instead of the other way around!

SnackTAXI Reusable Eco-friendly Snack Bags

2009-10-20T17:02:00.000-07:00

Right after school started, I realized I was using way too many little plastic zipper bags to pack my boys' lunches. I felt guilty, because we all know where those bags go: to the landfills, where it takes a gazillion years for them to break down and even then tiny, toxic bits of them remain in soil and water.

That's why I was so exited to come across SnackTAXI's reusable snack and sandwich bags. Each SnackTAXI bag can eliminate the use of 1000 zipper bags, which makes them both eco- and wallet-friendly. The bags are made in the U.S., are washable, and are 100% cotton with a nylon lining that is free of lead and phthalates. The quality is excellent for the money ($6.95-8.95 ea.) and Velcro closures make it easy for little hands to open. Did I mention they are way cooler than boring plastic zipper bags?

SnackTAXI bags come in great prints that will appeal to boys, including the Jungle Jumble print, above. I also love the Signs of the Times and Fly by Day bags, but there are prints to fit every personality. Check out all the pretty styles for moms, too.

One lucky Unboring Boys reader will win a 2 piece set of SnackTAXI bags including a Sign of the Times sandwich bag and a Groovy Guitar snack bag! Just visit www.SnackTAXI.com then e-mail unboringboys@yahoo.com with the phrase SNACKTAXI in the subject line and tell us how many lunches owner Erin Kelly-Dill packs in a year. We'll draw a winner at random November 10th. U.S. residents only, please. Good luck!

Be the first to know about giveaways and exclusive discounts on hip clothes and accessories for boys! Sign up for our e-mail updates!

Ants in the pants and on the sleeve and...: Blemish brand boys' clothes

2009-09-27T13:16:00.001-07:00

At Unboring Boys, we are always on the lookout for new themes for boys. While bugs show up pretty regularly on boys' clothes, this is the first time we've seen a line designed so cleverly around ants.

Blemish, a Dutch company based in Amsterdam, has come up with a hip and quirky collection of ant-inspired clothes for boys including shirts, tees, pants and a coat. Along with the fabulous ant shirts and tee shown left and below, tiny embroidered ants appear on other pieces in the collection.

I love that Blemish does this for each of its collections, hiding that season's insect or animal (for spring/summer it was a crab) in unexpected places, like on a shirt sleeve or hidden under a collar!

Blemish, which means "not perfect," designs clothes for real boys, with a focus on comfort, quality and affordability. Pants have reinforced knees and adjustable waists. Tees are made with extra soft cotton. Shirts are made from Parisian fabrics with contrast cuffs and collars that offer a distinctly European aesthetic.

You can find Blemish clothes for boys in the U.S. at Barney's, Space Kiddets, Aminah et les amis, and Estella in New York; Marcia's Attic in New Jersey; 3 Monkeys and Me and Swaddle, Toddle and Bump in Connecticut; and The Red Balloon, LMNOP, and Stinky Pants in Chicago.

7 Key Pieces to Update Your Little Boy's Wardrobe for Fall

2009-09-08T20:44:00.001-07:00

Read our article 7 Fall Must-Haves for Boys in which we introduce many of the fall/winter trends that have recently been featured here to a new audience. Also included are some new pieces from Tea Collection and NicoNico.

Unboring Boys is officially one year old (as of 9/2)! When I first started this blog, I wasn't sure if anyone would even read it. I wondered, Were there other moms out there as interested in trendy boys' clothes as I was? Or was I weird? It turned out I'm not weird because there are plenty of moms just like me who want their boys to stand out on the playground. :)

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the fabulous designers and boutique owners who have so generously provided insight, discounts and giveaway items over the past year. I loved hearing your stories in the interviews. I also want to thank our readers for convincing me to continue. I look forward to sharing more exciting boys' lines and designers with you in the coming months.

I'd love to hear what you think of the blog so far. Post a comment letting me know what you like and what you want to see more of. And if you have a favorite designer or shop, let me know about that too.

~ Cheers, Denice

And the lucky winner is...

2009-09-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Katie in Nashville, TN who won the Baby Star camp shirt! Thanks to all our readers who participated and to Baby Star for being a sponsor.

More fabulous features, giveaways and exclusive savings are coming! Please share Unboring Boys children's fashion blog with other moms of boys you know. Sign up for e-mail updates, or follow us through Blogger or on Twitter.

The Henry Shirt by One Girl Circus

2009-08-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

I wish I had discovered the Henry shirt by One Girl Circus back in April/May, but since it's practically 90 degrees here in Northern Virginia, I'm OK with featuring one last short-sleeved shirt especially one so special. I love everything about this piece. The Mendocino print is SO sweet (love the seahorses!), the colors are gorgeous, and the overall design is artfully inspired and memorable.

"I carry a sketchbook with me everywhere," Karen, owner and designer behind One Girl Circus (found on 1000 Markets), says. "I jot down ideas and draw parts of garments until I fill out a complete idea. I think about construction methods before I go to sleep, and usually any issues with a pattern I'm developing will work themselves out in my sleep." Read on for more about her background and design process.

Unboring Boys: What inspires your designs for boys?

Karen: My son, Peter, is the main inspiration. He is simultaneously outdoorsy, bookish and creative, so I try to picture a range of uses for any one garment. He deals with Asperger Syndrome and Sensory Integration Disorder, so my inspiration is more than design-oriented. I'm very concerned about comfort and durability. All the interior seams are enclosed. My tags are soft ribbon and stitched down completely. I probably focus a little obsessively on the comfort of my designs, but I figure the only way garments will become favorites is if they are as comfortable as pajamas.

Unboring Boys: How do you go about choosing certain fabrics and prints?

Karen: I stick with natural fabrics, organic whenever possible. I love bamboo for knits, and hemp and organic cotton, too. It's a challenge trying to balance cost and value. I'm concientious about my purchases, supporing local businesses and companies with humane business practices, which carries over to my business purchases.

Unboring Boys: What are you doing when you are not designing and sewing?

Karen: I just learned how to ride a motorcycle, so that was pretty exciting (and fuel efficient when driving alone). I practice yoga. I sing. I'm a mom to two kids and a step-mother to two more, so I have my hands full on any given day. I love to try out new vegan recipes with my kids and we all love to hike together. My husband travels a lot so I stay up late to get work done, but I am invigorated by creating with my hands, and put loving kindness into everything I make.

Thanks Karen for taking time to answer our questions! Visit One Girl Circus on 1000 Markets to see all her beautiful creations for boys and girls. Through 9/30/09 Karen is offering free priority mail shipping to Unboring Boys readers. Use code "Unboring" at checkout.

2009 Unboring Boys Back-to-School Guide

2009-08-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

After spending $40 on glue sticks (twin kindergartners X 10 glue sticks each and these must be JUMBO sticks and not just any brand but ELMER'S and not the purple kind that dries clear but the CLEAR kind to begin with *deep breaths*) there's not much money left to spend on clothes and accessories for my boys. But I do want them to stand out in the crowd. Here, some things I simply could not pass up (or live without) for back-to-school.

Rock & Rattle's Nerd shirt (shown above, 2T-6T) is my very favorite tee for fall. It's perfect for a little rocket-scientist or programmer-to-be (or future A/V guy). And you know the teacher will love it. On chilly days, layer it over a long-sleeved tee (the layered look is hot again this year). Just for Unboring Boys readers, Rock and Rattle is offering a 15 percent discount on orders through 9/18/09 (applies to anything in their shop). Just e-mail them directly at info@rockandrattle.com with order details to receive the discount.

I am really loving Fat Ties shirts right now, especially the long-sleeved Rusty tee (2T-7). It's only $15 and that's before the 10 percent discount you get just for being an Unboring Boys reader. Use UB10 at checkout (discount valid through 8/31/09).

Vincent children's shoes and boots are WAY cooler than plain old sneakers and they are just as comfortable to wear and look great with jeans, especially this year's skinny styles. And Vincent has just come out with some to-die-for new styles for back-to-school. My favorites? The Kevin (shown, left) and Rudolf styles. I am so impressed with the quality and construction of these leather boots that I wish they came in my size. I love the little velcro strap and suede detail on the Kevin. Unique boots or shoes can really add pizazz to an outfit and you'll find a great collection at Vincent, each for about what you'd pay for a pair of forgettable sneakers.

It's hard to find backpacks for school-aged boys that aren't printed with the usual boy themes or licensed characters (this year its Bakugan--ugh). I like Hatley's Aliens backpack (shown, $29.99) with it's spaceships, planets and quirky extraterrestrials. It's the perfect size for all my kindergartner's school things plus it's sturdy and well made with easy to use zippers and a little organizer for pens, ID in the outside pocket. Coordinate it with the matching Aliens lunch tote, raincoat and umbrella for the total look. Looking for something for older boys? Try the Rocker School backpack from Four Peas.

Being the mom of a skinny 6-year-old, it can be frustrating to find pants that fit. That's why I was so excited to find Myself Belts. One end of the belt snaps to a loop to keep it secure while Henry can fasten the belt with Velcro all by himself. Ingenious! My favorite is the Flag Belt ($14.95).

You can scrawl your child's last name on his clothes tags with a Sharpie marker OR you can get some really cool personalized labels from Mabel's Labels. Check out their Ultimate Back-to-School combo that includes labels for clothes and shoes, and personalized metal tags to hang on backpacks and lunch totes.

The lucky winner is...

2009-08-18T18:49:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Micki from Pennsylvania who won the Vanilla Chocolate Pirate cupcake tee from DogBoneArt! Thanks to all our readers who participated and to DogBoneArt for being a sponsor.

More fabulous features, giveaways and exclusive savings from the hottest boys' clothing designers and boutiques are coming this fall, including our list of the trendiest Must-Haves for boys this season. Sign up for e-mail updates, or follow us through Blogger or on Twitter.

Featured Designer: Baby Star (giveaway & discount!)

2009-08-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

Hooray for Baby Star's camp shirts for boys! In a fashion landscape dominated by muted blues, drab browns and--yawn--camo greens, finally FINALLY we get some color!

We love the classic yet modern styling of Baby Star's shirts; their vibrant colors; and playful, full-of-personality prints like the Spring Camp Shirt, left (on sale for $14.99 (!!!), sizes 6 mos-24 mos). Pair this with shorts or jeans and your little guy will melt hearts. Looking for something bolder? The Kaleidoscope camp shirt pops with its groovy orange, brown and light blue pattern.

Baby Star is offering a 30 percent discount on orders through 12/31/09! Use discount code 20twinkle09 at check out.

One lucky Unboring Boys reader will win a Baby Star camp shirt! Just visit www.babystar.com then e-mail unboringboys@yahoo.com with the phrase BABY STAR in the subject line and tell us what print you would choose should you win. Earn multiple entries by following Baby Star on Twitter, Facebook and their blog (let us know in an e-mail). We'll draw a winner at random August 18th and that person will be able to choose the style and size. U.S. residents only, please. Good luck!

Be the first to know about giveaways and exclusive discounts on hip clothes and accessories for boys! Follow us on Twitter!

For Unboring Boys Who Mean Business: Fat Tie Shirts

2009-08-01T10:41:00.001-07:00

Can't you just see your little future captain of industry wearing this hip, retro-inspired Fat Tie shirt on his first day of school--and making a major impression?! These clever organic tees look like dress shirts but are so comfortable and cool that your unboring boy will want to wear them everywhere.

The ties are sewn on (so they won't get in his face while hanging upside down on the monkey bars) and the button details and little breast pockets (on some styles) smarten the look.

If that isn't enough to charm you, owner and designer Mari Gallen has cut prices to below wholesale to make room for new styles! And just for Unboring Boys readers, Fat Tie is offering an additional 10 percent savings over already insane low prices!!! Use discount code UB10 (in caps) to order through 8/31/09. This is a steal, people! So you'd better hurry. Styles and popular sizes are selling out fast.

Vanilla. Chocolate. Pirate. DogboneArt T-shirt Giveaway!

2009-07-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

Those of you following Unboring Boys may remember my "Yo Ho Yawn" post back in September 09 where I basically wrote "enough of the pirate stuff already!" Then I saw this "vanilla chocolate pirate" tee by DogboneArt (2T-7T, $12) and what can I say? It's so darn cute!

It takes imagination and talent to create something brand new out of a done-to-death theme like pirates. But Laura from DogboneArt has done it, and her original illustration is catching on. Her adult-sized Pirate Cupcake tee was recently worn by Mary Alice on The Food Network's Ace of Cakes show.

We're giving away a child's pirate cupcake tee! Just visit DogboneArt's Etsy shop then e-mail unboringboys@yahoo.com with the word "pirate" in the subject line and give us the name of another cute, original DogboneArt character you found. We'll choose a winner at random August 10th and that person will be able to choose the size. U.S. residents only, please. Good luck!

Want to be the first to know about giveaways and exclusive discounts on hip clothes and accessories for boys? Follow us on Twitter or sign up for our weekly e-mail updates!

No clippers, no hair gunk -- Rock and Rattle's Mohawk Hoodzie

2009-07-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

If you're a punk rocker from way back and have toyed with giving your little guy a mohawk (but can't quite work up the nerve to pick up the clippers) you'll love Rock and Rattle's Mohawk Hoodzie. It's a great signature piece for your unboring boy this fall, and is virtually guaranteed to evoke a chorus of that-is-the-cutest-thing-EVER-where-did-you-get-it.

The "mohawk" part of the jacket attaches with velcro, and you can purchase more colors to change the look. Best of all, this fauxhawk doesn't require heaps of sticky hair product.

Canadian-based Rock and Rattle--owned by Greg Taylor, of the award-winning band Saint Alvia, and his wife Shasta--is really making a name for itself among celebrities and musicians, like Tom Delonge of Blink 182, who outfits his kids in Rock and Rattle's edgy designs. We adore everything in their shop--from tees to beanies to matching daddy and son tie shirts. Rock and Rattle promises even more cool designs for Spring 2010! We can't wait!

Tell us! What do you like from their shop?

Old-World Meets Offbeat: Right Bank Babies

2009-07-12T18:55:00.001-07:00

I've been drooling over Right Bank Babies's fall collection for boys since I got a sneak peek back in March. I love the sumptuous fabrics and surprising details that give their Old-World European-inspired pieces, like the jacket, above, a modern, irreverent twist (did you notice the orange elbow patches?). It's easy to see why owner and designer, Ellen Uzarowicz, and Lydia Dorsey, have been named best children’s designer by LA Magazine, which hits stands in July.

Right Bank Babies's Fall 09 line for boys, including trousers and hoodies (like the one layered under the jacket above) and the most adorable little knickers, will be available in the coming days at www.rightbankbabies.com Fans can follow Right Bank Babies through the company's blog, Twitter and Facebook.

Just for Unboring Boys readers, Right Bank Babies is offering a 15 percent discount on orders totalling $150 or more through August 1st! Use code unboringrbb at check-out.

Don't miss it! Vincent Shoes Sale

2009-07-12T18:26:00.001-07:00

Vincent Shoes is having a clearance sale on many of our favorite summer styles, including the Rolf slip-on, left, now $14.95.

You'll find a great selection of hip, unboring shoes for baby and big boys at savings up to 75 percent!

Is it too early to start thinking about back-to-school? We love the Staffan shoe for everyday wear. And Vincent Shoes are coming out with even more cool styles for boys this fall so keep checking back.

Featured Designer: Bobinette

2009-06-28T17:56:00.001-07:00

Sure. You could buy another polo for your boy this summer, but WHY, when Bobinette's shirts are more versatile and way cuter?! There's nothing boring or uniform-ish about the Buckaroo shirt, above, an offbeat blend of western style and madras summer-ness. We love, love, love Bobinette's gingham pieces as well as the Oscar Blue Swirls shirt. Each piece is full of spunk and personality, yet equally at home on the playground, at Sunday school, or at your cousin's backyard wedding.

Recently we spoke to Bobinette's owner Lorraine Le Tac about her designs.

Unboring Boys: What inspired you to mostly focus on boys' clothing?

Lorraine Le Tac: My son, Spencer, was born 7 years ago. We lived in New York City at the time and even though New York is a fashion mecca, all the baby boys' clothes I found were fairly conservative and unoriginal. I would ask my mom, who lives in Paris, to send me fun and colorful clothing for Spencer. He was the best dressed baby on the block! That is when it all started. I have a 2-year-old boy, Matisse, also, so I have twice the reason to keep designing boys' clothing.

Unboring Boys: What inspires your designs?

Lorraine: Everything and anything. I have found inspiration in fashion, home decor, architecture, photography and simply in the nature that surrounds us. I am particularly fond of anything from India, Asia, Africa and North Africa--colors, patterns, culture and food.

Unboring Boys: How do you go about choosing certain fabrics and prints?

Lorraine: Color and patterns guide me. I love stripes, checks, polka dots and plaids, so I always try and incorporate them in a creative way in my designs. I like to create unexpected combinations, mixing checks and polka dots, for example. And of course, I am always attracted to "exotic" prints from India or African batiks, madras, woodblock prints, and the like.

Unboring Boys: What are the unique challenges you have faced and continue to face as a designer of primarily boys' clothes and accessories?

Lorraine: Designing for boys is challenging because there is so much you can create around shirts, t-shirts, pants and shorts. Boys' clothing should first be comfortable and easy to wear. Additionally, I want them to be stylish. For me, everything is in the details--a button or a snap, a small pocket, a trim. Quality is also essential. That is why I choose mainly natural fibers like cotton and linen.

Thanks Lorraine, for taking the time to answer our questions! Get a peek at Bobinette's amazing fall/winter 2009 line on their website. Also the new spring/summer 2010 collection will be introduced at trade shows starting in August. Lorraine promises "more eye-catching prints, as well as a few surprises!" See Bobinette's list of retailers here.

And the lucky winner is...

2009-06-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Suzanne who won the free Invisibility Shirt from Crazy Dog t-shirts! Thanks to all our readers who participated and to Crazy Dog for being a sponsor.

More fabulous features, giveaways and exclusive savings from the hottest boys' clothing designers and boutiques are coming this summer. Sign up for e-mail updates, or follow us through Blogger, to catch up with what's happening on Unboring Boys. It's easy to subscribe and you'll get the latest post(s) sent right to your in-box.

Edgy Yet Sweet Styles from Schatzi, plus an Exclusive Offer

2009-06-15T16:21:00.001-07:00

Schatzi in German means "small treasure" and the t-shirt designs by this Canadian company are just that. Inspired by American edgy style, the two moms behind Schatzi have come up with a hip collection of boys' tees and tanks (in sizes 3-6 months to 12 years) that draw from fantasy, rock and roll, and mod 70s elements.

What boy wouldn't love to wear Schatzi's wicked Hot Schatz dragon tee, left? And how groovy is this Peace and Thank You tee, below? Though based in Canada, Schatzi ships to the U.S. for very reasonable rates.

Just for Unboring Boys readers, Schatzi is offering a fabulous deal to introduce their tees. Buy a tee at regular price and receive a FREE tank. You can choose from the World Tour tank or the Fairy Magic tank (for unboring girls!). Just enter the phrase "unboring boys" in the message box at the time of purchase along with your choice of design and size. Hurry! Offer ends June 29th.

Win it! Invisibility Shirt from Crazy Dog T-shirts

2009-06-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of cool t-shirts out there for boys, but none that give them the power of invisibility!

Crazy Dog T-shirt's clever Invisibility Shirt (currently deactivated) comes in sizes 2T-4T, and youth sizes S, M, L for $14.99. (there's an adult version too)

(...now if we could just figure out how to activate it)

Our other favorites are the Never Forget dinosaurs shirt and Yes, I Wore This Shirt Yesterday tee.

Want to win one? We're giving away a free Crazy Dog kids' tee (2T-4T, or youth size S, M, L) this month to a lucky Unboring Boys reader. To enter, leave us a comment telling us which design out of the three you would choose if you won.

*U.S. residents only, please.

Cool Summer Hats for Boys

2009-05-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

I'm a sucker for a cute hat. When my boys were little, I always bought the matching hat, socks, romper...you get the idea. While we don't do as much matching now that they are older, I still buy hats for them. Hats add personality to an outfit. More importantly, they provide sun protection for the face.

This week, I'm sharing my favorite hats of the season for boys.

No roundup of boys' summer hats would be complete without my personal favorite, Hanna Andersson's floppy hats, available in a range of bright colors and prints, above. My boys lived in these as babies, and have now graduated to Hanna's reversible bucket hats. Hanna hats wash up beautifully and can be passed down to the next child. Right now they are on sale for $10-13 so stock up!

Looking for a trendier or dressier alternative? Baby Gap carries a stylish contrast woven fedora with brown trim and a plaid-trimmed straw hat, both for $16.50 (the woven fedora is going fast). For big boys, check out the Dapper Straw fedora from 77Kids by American Eagle ($16.50).

Cowboy hats are always cool, they go with anything, even swimsuits, and boys are crazy about them. Sand Cassels' ultra hip version is available at Little Dudes Only for 20 bucks.

Giveaway update! Congratulations to Lizzie in Fairfax, VA, who won the Little Ace necktie! Thanks to everyone who participated and to Little Ace for being a sponsor.

Tiny Revolutionary

2009-05-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

Everyone I know these days is becoming more environmentally aware. We're using refillable water bottles and reusable shopping bags. These may seem like small things when we're bombarded daily with bad news about our planet. It's easy to feel helpless to do anything (there's even a term for it: eco-stress!).

How about some hopeful and positive messages for a change? Tiny Revolutionary carries a hip and progressive collection of tees & onesies for children with phrases like "I'll Change the World Someday" in baby, toddler and new youth sizes (above), and "Be the Change You Want to See in the World." Styles range from the environmentally-minded Save the Polar Bears to the more political War is Poop.

What could be better than shopping for cool tees for your unboring boy AND helping other children around the world? For every This Shirt Saved a Life tee sold, Tiny Revoluationary donates $20 to Africa Aid to help feed refugee children in Ghana.

All change begins small. That's Tiny Revolutionary's slogan and the perfect slogan for anyone trying to make positive changes to benefit the earth.

Tree Town Batiks Boy's Tees

2009-05-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

At Unboring Boys we like to feature a diversity of boys' clothes and accessories for our readers, from big name companies to small emerging shops and designers.

Our latest indie discovery is Tree Town Batiks. We love their one-of-a-kind batik tees for boys. You'll find just about anything that boys would be into on them, from trains to robots to guitars, with some offbeat stuff thrown in like broccoli! Their youth shirts go all the way to 12, and they have a fun collection of bodysuits for babies, from 6 months up, plus some wonderful pieces for grown-ups, like our favorite peacock print. The process that designer Jerusha uses to make these shirts is fascinating; you can read more about it on her site. Right now she is offering 20 percent off long sleeve shirts when you buy 2 or more.

Readers, time is running out to participate in our giveaway for a free Little Ace necktie. Just leave a comment about the blog, what you like, what you want to see more of, or just tell us your favorite boys' clothing designers and shops, and on 5/31 we'll pick one name at random from all the comments we receive to win the tie. Thanks for your feedback! ~ Denice

Boys' Sandals from Vincent

2009-05-10T13:22:00.001-07:00

It's sandal season and these closed-toe sandals for little boys by Vincent, a children's shoe brand out of Stockholm, Sweden, are the cutest and most unique style we've seen. The Bobby sandal comes in sizes infant 4 to toddler 10 ($47.95).

Looking for something in a larger size? Check out the sporty and quick-drying Rasmus sandal ($45.95, up to child 3.5, ).

Vincent's Flagga slip-on canvas shoes, below, aren't sandals, but aren't they nifty? We LOVE them for summer ($35.95, up to child size 3.5).

Vincent's designers, Patrick and Thomas, were inspired to start a children's shoe company after Thomas' nephew Vincent was born. Their fun and fashionable collection of soft pre-walkers, sneakers, rain boots and sandals for children are influenced by global trends and the fashion runways of Paris, Milan, London and New York. Right now Vincent is offering free shipping on orders over $75.

SUNboring Swimwear for boys

2009-05-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

Our favorite swim suit for boys this summer is Mini Boden's Euro-style Swim Trunks, left ($20, 1-12 yrs). The company calls them a "sleek and aerodynamic alternative to longer bathers." We just call them adorable! Mini Boden's regular length bathers are cute too. We like the Ocean Funny Fish print.

You can't go wrong with Hanna Andersson's swimwear. What they lack in uniqueness as far as colors and prints, they make up for in sheer quality and durability. Plus you get the added peace of mind of sun protection with their UPF 30+ trunks and mix-and-match rash guards. For baby boys, check out the Sun Ready Rash Guard Babysuit.

Unique and truly offbeat prints are hard to find in boys' swimwear, which is weird because this is one area where we see a lot of florals and bright colors. Still, designers seem to stick to the same surfing, marine animal and Hawaiian themes year after year.

We found two companies that offer interesting alternatives. First is Munster Kids out of Australia, which offers a cool comic book print. The second, Vilebrequin has the most interesting and unboring prints for boys we've seen. Vilebrequin was founded in 1971 in Saint Tropez on the French Riviera and even if you can't afford the designer price tag ($115 and up) take a look at their collection anyway. Our favorite is the Red Visas, but we also really dig the frogs wearing scuba gear.

Know of a hip and unique swimwear designer/retailer we missed? Share it here!

Also, don't forget to leave us feedback about the blog to win a free necktie from Little Ace (see our previous post for details). Next up on the blog: boys' sandals.

Ties by Little Ace and Fun Giveaway!

2009-04-28T17:18:00.000-07:00

These neckties from Little Ace's Etsy shop are SO cute, easy to wear, and crazy cheap--$12 for a set of three (or one for $5).

The ties have an elastic strap that fits over the head. The edges are unfinished, creating a frayed look. Click on the pictures to get a closer look. For the price, they are perfect for dress up play, for parties, and for jazzing up a boring white button-down shirt or polo. My son, Henry, wore his Little Ace necktie out recently and got many compliments.

One lucky reader will win a Little Ace necktie this month! Just leave us some feedback about the blog. How are we doing so far? What do you want to see more of? Do you have suggestions for future articles? Do you have a favorite designer or boutique you would like featured? Leave a comment for us below!

One winner will be chosen at random May 31st from all the comments we receive, and will get an adorable brown frog print necktie (like the one pictured above) that fits children 4-6. Thanks for your feedback!

Georgie World Closed

2009-04-27T07:08:00.001-07:00

As a fan of Georgie World, I was sad to hear that they were no longer in business because of "the souring economy and the new CPSIA regulations.*"

Many small boutiques and designers are struggling to make ends meet these days. We're all feeling the pinch, spending less and smarter.

If you do have extra money to spend on your unboring boy, please consider the boutiques featured here. They never forget the boys, many offer discounts to readers, and they do appreciate the sales.

Unboring Boys wishes the best to Bethany Herwegh, owner of Georige World. Hopefully she will continue her work in boys' fashion and we will see her designs again one day.

*If you are not aware, the new CPSIA regulations will have a significant impact on small/boutique/home-based businesses, many of them mom-owned, that make and sell children's products, including apparel. For a comprehensive overview, visit the Handmade Toy Alliance website.

Boys-Only Boutique: Little Dudes Only

2009-04-19T18:36:00.001-07:00

Before opening Little Dudes Only, owner Ashley Milewski was a fashion forecaster so you can be sure that the brands and styles she selects for her shop are unique, ultra cool and ahead of trend. She's even organized her pieces into "looks," so if your unboring boy is, say, a punk rocker-to-be, click on "Punk Dudes" for a collection of edgy, anti-mainstream styles he'll love.

We wanted to ask Ashley, not only about what's hot in boys' fashion right now, but about why she thinks girls' fashion receives more attention from designers, retailers and many parents, and if that will ever change.

Read our interview below, and take advantage of a special savings offer just for Unboring Boys readers.

Unboring Boys: How did your career as a trend forecaster prepare you for opening and running Little Dudes Only?

Ashley: Being a trend forecaster was an amazing job. It taught me a lot about what the consumer's buying habits are and what trends are most likely to appeal to the masses. When I'm buying for my store, I mostly buy what I fall in love with, but I try to keep in mind what sells. There are times when I'm crazy about an item, but my customer does not exactly agree.

Unboring Boys: What inspired you to make Little Dudes Only boys-only?

Ashley: I have two boys of my own and as someone who loves clothes, it was frustrating for me to go into children's boutiques and see racks upon racks of girls' clothes, and only one measly rack for boys...and even then that rack didn't often impress me. I wanted to open a boys' store that was filled with the hippest in boys' fashion, all in one place.

Unboring Boys: What are the unique challenges of owning a boys-only boutique?

Ashley: I am constantly digging and searching for the next new thing and with boys' clothing that's not easy. There's a lot of cargo shorts and screen printed tees, bit it's a constant challenge to find really unique stuff like acid wash skinny jeans and 70's inspired suede fringe jackets.

Unboring Boys: How do you go about selecting the brands you sell?

Ashley: I'm an avid shopper, so I already was really familiar with a lot of the kid's clothing brands when I first launched the website. I follow my taste and buy what I can't live without. I trust my instincts and hope my customers will love it too. I also take buying trips to New York twice a year and do a lot of research on international companies. I love to buy from other countries and introduce something completely new to my customers.

Unboring Boys: Which items are your bestsellers?

Ashley: Star Wars items are a huge hit, as are reconstructed vintage concert t-shirts. My best selling brands are Sandbox Rebel, Gold Rush Vintage, Knuckleheads, Sand Cassel Hats and Munster Australia.

Unboring Boys: Of your current offerings, which item is your personal favorite?

Ashley: I LOVE the Obama diaper covers and matching shirts from London that just came in...they're hilarious. And I'm a big fan of the fedoras we carry.

Unboring Boys: Your motto is "Dressing boys can be even more fun than dressing girls." But I notice among many of my friends who have both boys and girls, they give more attention to clothes and accessories for the girls than for the boys. Why do you think that is? And do you see it changing?

Ashley: Girls tend to be pickier about what they wear, and it starts a lot earlier than with boys. Also, there aren't as many accessories involved in dressing boys. So dressing boys is a little less "high maintenance" because they're happy with just a t-shirt and shorts in most cases. Parents don't want to have to spend money if their boys aren't demanding certain items. I think this may change as more is available in boys' fashion. More companies are starting to focus on manufacturing cool belts, jewelry, hats etc. for boys, so the days of spending more on girls may be numbered!

Unboring Boys: Can you give us some hints as to future trends in boys' clothing and accessories?

Ashley: For fall, there will be a lot of skinny jeans in different finishes like destroyed or acid wash, lots of skinny pants with details like pocket chains, funky colorful shoes, lots of neon colors, graffiti inspired screens and lots of plaids.

Unboring Boys: When you're not running Little Dudes Only what are you doing?

Ashley: Running after my boys mostly! But I'm a huge music fan, so I'm learning to play the guitar and I'm always going to concerts. It's important for me to have something just for myself.

Thanks Ashley for taking the time to answer our questions! Just for Unboring Boys readers, Little Dudes Only is offering 10 percent off on orders through May 19th. Just use the promotional code "unboring."

d mo baby: Style for the Little Man

2009-04-12T12:29:00.000-07:00

Like many moms with boys, Dana Morgan-Hovind was disappointed by the lack of stylish and imaginative boys' clothing in stores. Her solution? Start her own clothing company inspired by her son.

d mo baby's shirt designs are playful and offbeat, hip and unexpected--and full of personality. We love the reversible cuffs and clever use of floral prints and bold, unconventional colors. The best-selling Ellegaard shirt, in the runway shot above, pairs a crisp white shirt with slants of color and eclectic fabrics. Another favorite is the Wesley all over red floral shirt with plaid trim, right.

d mo baby's shirts are available in sizes 6-12 months to six. Dana says they've had a lot of requests for matching father/son shirts so they are working on that for the future.

For a list of boutiques that carry d mo baby, click here.

Singing in the Rain!

2009-04-05T19:07:00.001-07:00

It's April and time for our roundup of the cutest rainwear and wet weather accessories for boys!

What little boy (or big boy for that matter) wouldn't love this Alien umbrella ($18) from Hatley? Hatley carries a fabulous selection of styles for boys ("Fun Dogs" is another favorite) all with matching raincoats and boots.

When it comes to rainwear, the brighter the better. We like the tie-dye slicker from Lands' End ($39.50, toddlers to big boys).

Looking for something with a Euro flair? Check out Pluie Pluie's raincoat in blue stripe ($39.50, size 2-6). (Pluie Pluie means "rain, rain" in French).

And finally, our pick for hippest rainboot for boys? Guitar City by Chooka ($40, up to size youth 4). Check out their ultra cool boots for grown-ups too.

Samba-style!

2009-03-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

Tea does it again this spring with a lively collection for boys inspired by Brazil. We ADORE all the Samba-style pieces, like this outfit, left, which pairs the Lapa polo and canvas shorts in sage. Other faves include the Copacabana hooded sweater and Goncalo Sweater polo. All are available in sizes 6 months to 8 years.

Each season Tea puts together specially priced mix and match sets for boys. Our picks? The 5-piece Parker set, which includes two tees, one polo, and two pairs of shorts for $89.
For unboring baby boys? Choose the Raphael 4-piece set for $75, size newborn to 12 mos.

The lucky winner is...

2009-03-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kari from Tulsa, Oklahoma who won the $100 surprise package from Knuckleheads (see our interview with owner/designer Melissa Nash below). Thanks to all our readers who participated and to Knuckleheads for being a sponsor.

Everyone who signs up for e-mail updates from us are automatically entered in our giveaways! So sign-up in the box on the left side of the page if you haven't already! It's easy and you'll get the latest blog post(s) sent right to your inbox.

Boys' Aprons by Bloom Woosie

2009-03-15T11:30:00.001-07:00

Nick and Henry love helping out in the kitchen. Not only do they get to spend special time with Mommy and Daddy, they learn how to read recipes and measure ingredients. And when they help make a dish, they are more likely to taste it, even if it's something new.

To keep stains off their clothes, they wear aprons, just like Mommy. But finding unique aprons for boys can be a challenge. Bloom Woos ie carries a fabulous collection of hand-sewn reversible aprons for boys in the cutest prints and colors like this charming cowboy print ($24) that can be used in the kitchen or at the art easel.

We LOVE Bloom Woosie's half aprons for moms too! Our favorite is made with Anna Griffin's "French Coupon" fabric ! Bon appetit!

Chalk Mats by Dine.N.Doodle

2009-03-08T19:28:00.001-07:00

"Where's my food?!"

Five seconds after placing an order at a restaurant my twins start getting fidgety. Many places have activity sheets and crayons for kids, but I've found that often the word search and math puzzles are too advanced for my preschoolers to do on their own. That's why I love Dine.N.Doodle's Chalk Mats.

One side is a laminated cotton placemat. The other side is chalk cloth for drawing--there's even a place to store chalk. Ingenious! After use, wipe, roll, and tie with the attached ribbon.

Dine.N.Doodle's Chalk Mats are handmade and come in a variety of bright styles that any boy would love, including this funky Rockin Robots print ($18).

Readers! Just a reminder that there is one week left to enter our giveaway to win a fabulous surprise pack worth $100 from Knuckleheads. See details in our Knuckleheads feature below. Good luck!

Quirky Tees from MisNopalesArt

2009-02-28T16:10:00.000-08:00

Unboring Boys is all about unique and this Parachuting Squirrel T-shirt from MisNopalesArt is definitely that.

I bought one for my boys and when people see it they can't help smiling. They don't know what to make of it!

MisNopalesArt's Etsy shop carries tees (for kids and adults) featuring whimsical, offbeat and original illustrations of animals with wings, including a pug and Flying Zebra, starting at $14. These shirts are so quirky and cute that I wouldn't be surprised if celebrity moms start buying them up.

Just a reminder that one lucky Unboring Boys reader will win a surprise pack worth $100 from Knuckleheads! Simply sign up for our e-mail updates in the box on the left through March 15. (see complete details below in our feature on Knuckleheads). Signing up for updates is an easy way to catch up with what's new on the blog.

Featured Boutique: Knuckleheads

2009-02-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

If you like dressing your unboring boy in hip and unique clothing, chances are you've bought something from Knuckleheads. Part retro, part skate/urban, totally modern, Knuckleheads knows boys, always coming out with the coolest, hippest styles to fit any personality up to size 8.

Read on for our interview with Melissa Nash, owner and designer of Knuckleheads clothing. Plus, one lucky Unboring Boys reader will win a surprise pack worth $100 from Knuckleheads! Simply sign up for our e-mail updates in the box on the left through March 15. (see complete details below)

Unboring Boys: A lot of moms wish there were more unique clothes for boys available out there, but few of us actually go so far as designing our own clothing lines and opening boys-only boutiques. What was it that made you go from just thinking about starting your own boys' clothing company to actually doing it?

Melissa: I have always been very business minded, always owning some sort of business. I used to own a jewelry and hairbow business called Hipbabies, but I sold that when Knuckleheads took off. So, I was kind of already familiar with the industry. I just did my homework and jumped in.

Unboring Boys: What were some of the challenges you faced early on, especially in regard to focusing on boys' clothing? What continues to be a challenge today?

Melissa: Probably convincing store owners that moms do want to buy for their boys too, not just girls. There are so many choices for moms with girls but not a lot for boys, so store owners typically haven't done well with boys items because they didn't sell. And they didn't sell because they were kind of "lame" looking. So we still have to convince store owners to spend money on OUR boys items because they will sell.

Unboring Boys: What inspires your designs?

Melissa: Mostly vintage patterns/magazines. We have a HUGE vintage pattern collection and we use parts and ideas from those. We also mix in the skate industry and draw inspiration from bands, both old and new bands.

Unboring Boys: Which items are your bestsellers?

Melissa: Our greaser jeans, skivvies, anything with our logo on it, and our coveralls. We can hardly keep 'em in stock.

Unboring Boys: Of your current offerings, which item is your favorite?

Melissa: We added a new leather jacket this season, which I am dying over, it is so cute on and such amazing quality.

Unboring Boys: What's new for boys in Spring/Summer 2009? Any trends you can tell us about?

Melissa: Lots of layers... layering hoodies under jackets and tees under long sleeved shirts, anything as long as you can layer it. Also, stripes. Stripes are HUGE this season, we probably added more stripes than ever before.

Unboring Boys: Where do you see Knuckleheads in 5 years?

Melissa: We are pretty happy with our growth so far. We have grown so fast that we really don't want to grow that much faster. We like keeping it small and simple. We can provide for our family and we don't have a lot of stress. We have 5 full time employees and 10 outside sales reps that work for us. And honestly this is a good balance for us. It works and we don't want to mess too much with it. I like being hands-on, and we don't want to lose that with too much more growth.

Unboring Boys: If you weren't in the children's fashion industry, what would you be doing?

Melissa: PR and marketing. It was my major in college. I still do all our PR and marketing and I love it. I actually own a PR company on the side and I help small businesses in this industry figure out their marketing plans, and we have affordable prices so you don't have to spend thousands of dollars and sign with a PR firm.

Thank you SO much, Melissa, for taking time to talk to us! Readers, don't miss out on this opportunity to win some fabulous Knuckleheads clothing for your unboring boy. One winner will be randomly selected on March 15. Signing up for updates is an easy way to catch up with what's new on the blog and we promise not to flood your inbox with emails. :) Good luck!

One-of-a-kind Superhero Shirts from LittleOvercoat

2009-02-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

When it comes to clothes, my boys and I sometimes disagree on what's cool. Take superheroes. I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of licensed characters on children's clothing. To my preschoolers, however, a Spiderman or Power Rangers T-shirt is the awesomest thing ever!

With LittleOvercoat's superhero T-shirts, I can compromise on theme without having to compromise on style. Check out this awesome Batman & Robin shirt (size 8-10, $28). It's handmade of recycled and new materials and is unique and colorful enough to stand out in the crowd.

Unboring Boys is all about what's unique and distinctive. What's really exciting about LittleOvercoat is that they have taken stock graphics and created something fresh and unexpected.

LittleOvercoat's shirts feature superheroes, classic bands, and even the Pillsbury Doughboy, and are available in sizes to fit baby to teen. We LOVE the bright colors, stripes, and patchwork-y designs.

You'll find all sorts of cool pieces for boys and girls--and moms, too--at LittleOvercoat's Etsy shop!

Featured Boys-Only Boutique: Ochanga

2009-01-20T10:52:00.000-08:00

What I love about Ochanga--besides the fact that it's a boys-only boutique--are the shirts they sell. Talk about ultra hip! And forget boring boy colors. These are bold! Bright! LOUD! (Just like my boys.) My favorite has to be the Rainbow Polo (right)($32.50, 2T-6), but there are so many other fabulous pieces in their shop to choose from.

Recently I spoke to Cynthia Betterson, owner of Ochanga, about how she goes about selecting the pieces she sells and what inspired her to open a boys-only boutique.

Cynthia: As a mother of two boys, I was unhappy with the selection for boys at department stores and children's clothing chains. Also I didn't have time to travel to Manhattan to shop the trendy boutiques because I'm a full-time working mom. So I turned to the Internet and started shopping at small online boutiques for unique styles of boys clothing. This inspired me to put all the venders I liked in one convenient place.

Unboring boys: What are the unique challenges of owning a boys-only boutique?

Cynthia: I find that many moms love my styles, however, their boys wear the bigger sizes. I don't carry anything over a 6 yet but I'd like to soon. Another challenge is going to children's clothing trade shows looking for new venders. There is a dominance of girls clothing, which can be frustrating.

Unboring boys: How do you go about selecting the brands you sell?

Cynthia: First I think, will this style look cute on my son? Is this something that I would like him to wear and will he enjoy wearing it? I also ask myself, is this style different and unique enough to make him stand out from the crowd? I also consider the product quality. How will this product handle the wear and tear from an active young boy? I try to stick to 100 percent cotton fabrics when possible. Last and most importantly, I consider the manufacturing location, making sure to avoid countries known for usage of child labor.

Unboring boys: Which items are your bestsellers?

Cynthia: Anything from Wonderboy. No matter what style or season, I always sell plenty of this brand. The designs are unique and trendy, the pricing reasonable, and the quality exceptional. I also sell a lot of euro-style swim trunks from Claesens. They are the number one underwear manufacturer in the Netherlands. The swim trunks are so unique and cute and they come in a cute plastic carrying case for wet transport.

Unboring boys: Where do you see boys' fashion going in the future?

Cynthia: I see trendier designs for boys in the future. Venders are finally beginning to understand that mothers of boys want their sons to look cool and hip and are looking for styles that set them apart.

Unboring boys: Can you give us some hints as to future trends in boys' clothing and accessories?

Cynthia: I see lots of miniature versions of adult male styles. Really cute.

Unboring boys: Anything new and exciting coming up for Ochanga that you can tell us about?

Cynthia: I'm looking to widen my age base to include bigger boys, perhaps up to 10 years. I am also looking to offer a signature line of Ochanga jeans and tees for boys!

Thank you to Cynthia for taking the time to speak with Unboring Boys! She is offering a 20 percent discount for Unboring Boys readers through 3/1/09! Use code UBB09 at checkout!

A Tribute

2009-01-18T21:04:00.001-08:00

Shopping for hip and adorable clothes for Nick and Henry was something my mom and I did together from the time they were babies.

When she died of cancer in 2007, just four months after being diagnosed, I lost my heart for a lot of things, including shopping for the boys.

It took time, but I'm now at a place where it's fun again. Often when I run across a cute outfit, I find myself thinking, Mom would love this.

This being her birthday, I wanted to dedicate Unboring Boys to her. It may sound silly--this being just a blog about kids' clothes--but I feel like I'm carrying on with something we started together.

(This photograph, by the way, is of my mom in her early twenties. It's one of my favorites.)

Not Your Common Toboggan: Hats from ThatFunkyBoutique

2009-01-09T07:18:00.000-08:00

There's a lot about winter I don't like: icy roads, germs, being stuck inside. One thing I love: outerwear. Maybe it's from growing up in south Florida, where I owned maybe one sweater as a child, but I am obsessed with winterwear.

There's nothing cuter than my boys all bundled up in coats, mittens and scarves on a snowy day. I especially love hats, and ThatFunkyBoutique's hats for boys are the cutest I've seen this year.

Each is funky, unique, and hand made from recycled 100 percent wool sweaters lined with comfy fleece. Our favorite is the Black Deer hat (above) but there are other adorable hats to choose from in their collection. We dig the vintage look and fun details, like tassels and patchwork and quirky shapes, that make each piece special. If you haven't gotten your unboring boy a winter hat yet (hurry, it's getting cold!), or if you're looking for a boys' hat with more personality, check out ThatFunkyBoutique.

Giveaway update: Congratulations to Natalie from Maine who won the free Times Square t-shirt from TotStops (featured previously on the blog). Thanks to all our readers who participated and to TotStops for being a sponsor. Just a reminder that all readers who sign up for e-mail updates from us are automatically entered in our giveaways! So sign-up! We promise not to harass you with junk mail and it's a great way to stay up to date with what's happening on the blog.

Unique Baby Gear for Your Little Adventurer

2008-12-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

Whether you're embarking on a trip around the world, or just crossing the park, your little explorer-to-be will know exactly where he is with this fabulous World Traveler burper set from BabyBoss. The set includes two oversized burp cloths made from light-weight cotton and chenelle ($15 for the pair). A matching bib and blanket are also available.

Unboring Boys applauds BabyBoss for their willingness to take risks with fabric and prints for children. There is nothing too cutesy or expected in their collection. We adore the Early Riser pants (we just can't resist anything with chickens on it). Some prints like the one used for the Longitude Bib seem very grown-up, yet work beautifully for little boys. If you're looking for Dad-approved gear for the diaper bag, look no further.

BabyBoss does custom orders! Just send them a request through their Etsy shop.

Just a reminder that it's not too late to win a free Times Square t-shirt from TotStops (see our previous post). Simply sign up for e-mail updates in the box to the left through December 31. We'll pick a winner at random in January. We promise not to inundate your inbox with mail. Signing up for updates is an easy way to catch up with what's new on the blog.

Happy holidays to all our readers! See you in 2009!

~Denice, editor

Featured Boutique: TotStops

2008-12-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

It took less than a New York minute for us to fall in love with TotStops's fun and funky take on souvenir t-shirts.

The big city, bright lights-inspired tees are available in sizes 3-6 months to 4T. Designs are taken from original works by New York artists and illustrators. Our favorite is the Times Square t-shirt (left) featuring a design from an original painting by children's book illustrator Selina Alko.

One lucky Unboring Boys reader will win a Times Square short-sleeved t-shirt or onesie from TotStops, in the size of their choice! To enter the giveaway, sign up for our e-mail updates. The winner will be chosen at random in early January. Good luck!

TotStops's tees look great on boys or girls, but boys especially will love the taxis, skyscrapers, bridges, and subway trains.

Check out this adorable video, filmed during a TotStops photo shoot.

Featured Boys-Only Boutique: Blue Eye Boy

2008-11-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

As any mom of unboring boys knows, finding cool clothes for our little guys can be a challenge. In too many stores, the boys' department (if there is one) is an afterthought. That's why I love Blue Eye Boy. It's a one-stop-shop that caters only to boys, not just to babies and toddlers, but big boys too. Because while we wish our boys could stay little forever, they do get bigger, and that's no reason to give up on style.

Recently I interviewed Tamara Nonamaker, owner of Blue Eye Boy, asking her what inspired her to open a boys-only boutique.

Tamara: In 2004, when I was pregnant with my son, I realized the clothing market for infant and toddler boys was quite bleak. I wanted more of a selection for my son in apparel, shoes and decor. Since I couldn't find a store with more than a quarter of their inventory dedicated to boys, I created my own store.

Unboring boys: What are the unique challenges of owning a boys-only boutique?

Tamara: The number one challenge is getting the word out to parents that they have this wonderful opportunity to shop at an all-inclusive store for boys. No more walking around in the children's section trying to find boys' apparel amongst the myriad array of girls' items. No more shoes in just four styles and three colors: black, brown, and navy.

Unboring boys: Of your current offerings, which items are your bestsellers?

Tamara: Our best selling items are Knuckleheads and Dogwood apparel. Both companies know boys, as their owners have boys of their own. They know boys want durable, comfortable and fun clothes that accentuate their unique style.

Unboring boys: Where do you plan to take Blue Eye Boy in the future?

Tamara: We will be incorporating a blog in the near future where our customers will be able to recommend products and comment on featured items. We also will be revamping our homepage and streamlining our checkout process.

Unboring Boys: Can you give us some hints as to future trends in boys' clothing and accessories?

Tamara: For spring and summer we're seeing bright and colorful looks for boys with more apparel and shoe options.

Unboring Boys: When you're not running Blue Eye Boy, what are you doing?

Tamara: We're playing hard and carrying on as boys only know how to do. My boys keep me on the go and on my toes.

Thanks to Tamara for taking the time to speak with Unboring Boys! Blue Eye Boy carries a wide range of awesome products geared to boys, from toys to room decor to hip apparel, from such brands as Knuckleheads, Eclectikid, Instinct, and Dogwood.

They are offering a 10 percent discount for Unboring Boys readers through 12/31/08! Use code PROMO88 at checkout!

Sweaters with a twist

2008-11-09T20:16:00.000-08:00

We finish our sweater series with an eclectic collection of sweaters that put the spin on some traditional styles.

First, the holiday sweater. This offbeat patchwork Intarsia Halfzip Sweater from Baby Gap is the holiday sweater for unboring boys. We love how they mixed up a bunch of traditional holiday/winter patterns and prints such as plaid and snowflakes to create something unique and unexpected. (sizes 12 mos. to 5 years, $39.50).

There's something endearing about little boys dressing like old men. But Hanna Andersson's Double Elbow Cardigan isn't your typical grandpa sweater. There's just too much going on--stripes, colors, pockets--and that's why we love it. (10 mos. to teen, sale $25).

I can already hear the groans... Arrrgggyle vests??? You're killing me. But take a look at Hurley's punked out version. It's the anti-argyle vest!

Not your ordinary construction tee

2008-10-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Diggers, bulldozers, dump trucks. We seriously didn't think there was anything new to be seen in the "construction equipment" category. But check out this awesome T-shirt from Kiki Kid's Wear ($16.99, sizes 4-8). I don't know about your boys, but mine go nuts when they see tower cranes in the distance. This would look great with a long-sleeved shirt layered underneath.

I've been told Kiki Kid's Wear will be adding some pieces for fall/winter soon and the new designs for boys and baby boys, inspired by works of art, sound really interesting. Give them a look.

Unboring Sweater Vests

2008-10-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

Some boys, like my Henry, are just born to wear sweater vests. One of my favorites this season is this adorable frog sweater vest from Marika Hahn Design. This shop carries a collection of fun, colorful, hand-knitted sweaters for boys (and girls) featuring Marika Hahn's graphics and prints (up to size 7).

Argyle vests are everywhere this season (as they are every season, right?), but how many have you seen with a hood? IKKS's Adventure Toddler Argyle Hoodie is so cool ($56.95, 12 mos.-3). Also in the not-so-ordinary-argyle category: Tea Collection's Viking Vest ($55, 6 mos.-8 yrs.). Can I just say that Tea is really showing the love to boys this season. Have you seen their new Nordic Navigator collection?!

For something a little different (and interesting from a design standpoint), check out the ribbed vest from Chasing Fireflies ($58, sizes 2-8).

Finally, the fall colors in the Duex par Deux Origins vest at Baby Boy Style are so rich ($26.40, 12 mos.-4t). Can't you just see your unboring boy wearing this at the pumpkin patch?

Nightshirts for Boys?

2008-10-18T13:13:00.001-07:00

You're probably wondering what Spanky from the Little Rascals has to do with boys' nightshirts. There is a connection, sort of. :)

Last year for a school project, Nick and Henry painted dinosaurs on T-shirts using fabric paint. The shirts are about 2 sizes too big and very soft, so one night I suggested they sleep in them. Ever since, if the tees are clean, that's what the boys want to sleep in. They like them for the comfort and because they are easy to put on.

Searching online for actual nightshirts for boys, I found a few UK brands. But among American retailers, I couldn't find a single one. Probably because of concerns related to fire safety. Most pjs today are snug fitting so they won't easily catch fire. But I saw plenty of nightgowns for girls in my search that met US flammability standards, so nightshirts for boys aren't out of the realm of possibility.

It would be nice to have another option for my boys besides the standard two-piece or footed pajamas. I'd definitely buy nightshirts for them. How about you? Would your boy wear one? Is there a market for boys' nightshirts? Or have these gone the way of knickers and beanies?

I for one think the Little Rascal look is kind of cute, which is why I just had to post this adorable picture of Spanky--an unboring boy if ever there was one.

p.s. While shopping, have you run across any nightshirts for boys? Tell me where!

More Cute Sweaters

2008-10-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

How adorable is this Andes Mountain sweater from Blue Eye Boy? It's got to be one of our favorite sweaters for boys this fall. Blue Eye Boy carries a collection of these beautiful, one of a kind sweaters handcrafted in Peru that are decorated with different scenes, from a farm to Noah's Ark to a rainforest. I spoke with Tamara, the owner of Blue Eye Boy who told me there is currently a two-week back order on these, so e-mail her through her website to reserve one for your unboring boy.

Another of our favorites this fall is the Lobster Sweater Hoodie from Then There was Jake. This division of My Boy Sam has a wonderful collection of boys' sweaters, including holiday, that are available through boutiques. We also like Baby Gap's Whale Sweater and for older boys, Mulberribush's Guitar Sweater, which goes all the way up to size 14 and is on sale right now at CWD Kids.

Hanna Andersson always carries the cutest sweaters, especially for babies. Our favorite this fall is the Penguin Hoodie romper, which fits babies up to 2 1/2 years.

Coming up next on the blog: our favorite sweater vests; a feature about another fabulous boys only boutique (hint: we mentioned them in this post); and a plea to boys' pajama makers.

Sweater Series: Preppy

2008-10-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

Georgie World's Grandpa Sweater last week got me thinking about sweaters in general, so for the next couple of weeks Unboring Boys is searching far and wide for the cutest, classiest and funkiest sweaters around for boys of all sizes, and to fit all budgets.

Our sweater series starts today with the clean and classic, or preppy, look. Boring, you say? There's nothing boring about good taste. We love Crewcuts for Kids (by J.Crew) for classic sweaters with a twist, like the argyle shawl collar sweater above ($62.50, sizes 2-10). If you really want to splurge on your little man, consider their handsome heirloom quality cashmere cable cardigan.

Brooks Brothers, in business since 1818, makes fine clothes for men, women and boys. What, no girls' clothes??? I'm in shock. :) We like the understated yet refined Merino Striped V-Neck Sweater ($79.50, in sizes 3-16) that can be dressed up or down.

I'm loving Janie and Jack's new Uptown Holiday line for boys, especially the Diamond Pattern Sweater ($42, sizes 3 months-8 yrs.) and matching socks!

Cardigans for boys are hot this season. Check out Baby Gap's adorable shawl cardigan ($29.50, newborn to 24 months).

And if all of these are little too uptight for your unboring boy, you'll love the Striped Sweater Hoodie, also from Baby Gap, for a classic yet casual look ($$39.50, 12 mos.-5).

Next time: Our picks for the cutest sweaters for boys this season (think: awwwww)

What's your favorite sweater style? Classic, cute, edgy? We want to know! Post a comment!

Georgie World

2008-09-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

I always get excited when I run across little boutiques just for boys.

Not that I want to exclude girls, but have you ever gone into a so-called children's boutique and had to walk all the way to the back of the store to find the one rack for boys? Even in the retail chains, it's hard to notice the boys' clothes because the girls' clothes are so colorful and there's so much of it.

Anyway, I love finding boys' shops, and Georgie World is my favorite right now. Not only are the clothes adorable, hip and unboring, they are well made, comfortable to wear, and made in "Sunny California." My favorite piece is the Grandpa Sweater (above). It looks like a sweater, but it's made of fleece, so it feels like a sweatshirt. What a great idea! And it looks fab with the Cammer Trouser seen here.

Right now I'm really loving retro cars, so there was no way I could resist this cool tee with a Pinto on it. It's so unbelievably soft. My son Nick never wants to take it off.

I like that Georgie World offers complete outfits for one price (and the prices are excellent for the quality and detail). We picked up the playdate outfit. The Sk8 Monster shirt has flannel sleeves sewn in. How neat is that?

Sizes run from 2T all the way up to 12.

Shop Georgie World here!

Fall 2008 Tea Collection

2008-09-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

Over the past year, I've been on a mission to stop catalogs from being mailed to my house. It's just easier for me to browse online and cutting back on paper helps the environment. I have to confess, though, there's one catalog I still enjoy getting in the mail: the seasonal one from Tea. Whenever it shows up in my mailbox, I can't wait to snuggle up on the couch and savor it. The photography is some of the best I've seen. And because I love traveling, I'm drawn to Tea's culturally inspired clothing lines as well as its forward-thinking global philosophy.

The girls' clothes are always to-die-for. (I wish some of it came in women's sizes!). But Tea never forgets the boys. This fall I love the Fjord Cargo pants and Buck shirt with its unique deer print, a stylized twist on the typical fall outdoorsy theme. The fox and bear tees with Japanese sayings ("strength through virtue") really caught my eye. And what mother of an unboring baby boy can resist the dragon one piece?

Another thing I like about Tea? The three- and five-piece sets for babies and older kids they put together for one low price ($65-95). Tea's clothing comes in sizes newborn to eight yrs. depending on the item.

Yo Ho Yawn

2008-09-12T12:16:00.001-07:00

I don't have anything against pirates. I loved the whole swashbuckling, pirate ship and treasure map thing--when it first came out. Seriously, this pirate craze has been going on for what, two years now? It's been at least that long, because my son Henry wore pirate costumes the last two Halloweens. Just when I think the trend is over, another Pirates of the Caribbean movie comes out and we're inundated with more pirate wear. Everyone seems to be into it, including grown-ups and little girls.

The stuff is so ubiquitous it's all starting to look the same to me. Which begs the question: why pay top dollar for a kids' boutique tee with a skull and crossbones when one can find the same thing at Wal-Mart? Speaking of skull and crossbones...am I the only mom who's just a teensy-weensy bit weirded-out by this? Hello? These are human remains.

This past August, Gymboree came out with their second pirate line in a year called Pirate Adventure (the first one was Pirate Cove). At least with the new line they put a different spin on it. One of the baby boy sweaters has a cute little puppy on it wearing a pirate hat and eye patch. Edward "Blackbeard" Teach must be spinning in his grave.

It seems that I'm the only one suffering from pirate "fatigue." There appears to be no shortage of pirate-themed clothes this fall, and pirate costumes are just as popular as ever. Nick and Henry certainly don't share my views, and love dressing up like buccaneers.

This past summer, my family went to Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. Henry insisted on a glow-in-the-dark skull and crossbones tee from a souvenir shop. My husband bought one for himself with the phrase "The beatings will continue until morale improves."

It's enough to make a mom (and wife) of unboring boys go ARGGH!

Fab Find at H & M

2008-09-07T20:27:00.001-07:00

Cars are one of those done to death themes in boys' fashion. But because we are a car loving family (there's a classic Mustang in our garage) I'll consider anything with cars on it, though I draw the line at NASCAR and Lightening McQueen.

I LOVE when boys' clothing designers create something different or unique around cars. That's why I practically squealed in H & M when I saw this cute little set.

The shirt looks like something a service station attendant of old might wear. It comes with a white long sleeved T-shirt underneath for a layered look. There are two separate pieces, so you get two shirts for the price of one. Both are 100 percent cotton and unbelievably soft, like they've been washed a million times.

My boys liked the checkered flags and flaming tire patches. I'm generally not a fan of big graphics on the back of shirts (this one has a race car with the words "Gonna Give it all I've Got"). I wish they had kept it off. But overall, it's a cute piece for $16.90.

The pants are what caught my eye. These definitely have a Euro look and feel to them. I love the race cars all over. And it's done in a fun, subtle pattern that won't raise Dad's eyebrows. As a plus, the pants have an inside adjustable waist. 100 percent cotton as well. $19.90

What I love about this outfit, besides the cool factor and low price, is that it demonstrates that it is possible for designers to create something distinctive and unboring for boys using a stock theme like cars. And that's my main gripe. If you're going to use fire engines, construction vehicles or sports numbers in your designs, at least be creative. Experiment with color and pattern. Take a risk.

H & M department store: www.hm.com

My Unboring Boys

2008-09-02T19:00:00.001-07:00

Let's face it, girls' clothes are cuter than boys'. Walk into any children's apparel store and boys' fashion is limited to sweat pants and jeans, polo shirts and T-shirts printed with baseballs, sports numbers, fire engines, superheroes...the list of overused ideas goes on and on.

After my twin boys--Henry and Nick--were born, I was determined to dress them in simple and classic or in unique and sometimes unusual styles. It wasn't easy. That's because department stores and chains sell the same old boring uninspired stuff.

Frustrated, I set out to find the coolest, hippest, most unique and adorable head-turning outfits to dress my boys in. Five years later, I still shop for fun and uncommon things for them to wear.

It came to me that maybe other moms of unboring boys felt like I did about the (sad) state of boys' fashion and would benefit from a blog on the topic. Each week, I'll discuss new trends (in sizes newborn and up); highlight favorite retailers, designers and boutiques; share discoveries; alert you to sales; and more. Probably, I'll want to complain a little too.

I want to hear your ideas and viewpoints! If you have a favorite boutique, retailer or designer, (or if you're a designer or boutique owner yourself specializing in cool boys clothes and/or accessories) let me know. Post a comment!